Advocacy in Action: How Donna Ivery is Redefining Safety, Inclusion, and the Arts

In an industry where "inclusivity" is often a boardroom buzzword, Donna Ivery, Ed.M., is doing the heavy lifting to turn that ideal into a reality. Operating at the high-stakes intersection of SAG-AFTRA performance and professional school security, Ivery brings a rare perspective to the set: the understanding that true creative freedom is impossible without a foundation of safety. While others see acting and law enforcement as opposites, Ivery sees them as two sides of the same coin—one requiring vulnerability and the other requiring the protection that makes such vulnerability possible. Her mission is clear: to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep talent in the shadows and to ensure that every individual, regardless of their needs, has the security they need to finally be seen.

A Conversation with Donna Ivery

Legend Magazine: Your career sits at a very unique intersection: you are a performer familiar with the vulnerability of acting, but you are also an expert in school security. How do these two different worlds inform each other?

Donna Ivery: It might seem like acting and security are opposites—one is about vulnerability, the other about defensiveness—but they exist in the same universe. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, I know what it’s like to walk onto a set and feel exposed. My background in safety makes me more attentive than rigid. I focus on behaviors and attitudes, noticing the person who seems overwhelmed or uncomfortable. When people feel protected rather than policed, they are willing to take risks. That is where the real magic happens, whether in a classroom or on camera.

Legend Magazine: You have an incredible story about helping a young man secure roles in both Spider-Man and Joker. Can you walk us through that process?

Donna Ivery: It wasn’t a glamorous process; it involved significant advocacy, patience, and "translation". I had to reach out to the casting director to convey his capabilities, not his limitations, and help his family navigate the unspoken rules of a film set. Seeing him land those roles wasn't just a victory—it was confirmation that access changes outcomes. Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity is the missing variable. Inclusion is more than a seat at the table; it’s the support of mentors, agents, and directors who look after those who are often overlooked.

Legend Magazine: As a published author on school violence and special needs, how do you define "true safety" for a student?

Donna Ivery: Proper safety has very little to do with locks, bells, and alarms. It has everything to do with dignity. While security is often reactive, I argue for predictive safety rooted in understanding. A student is safest when the adults around them know their triggers and respond with regulation rather than escalation. For special needs students, safety is emotional predictability.

Legend Magazine: Working with Joey Travolta’s Inclusion Films is a major part of your history. What did that experience teach you about who belongs in front of the camera?

Donna Ivery: It taught me that access isn't charity—it’s respect and basic human dignity. The most surprising realization was how quickly perceived "limitations" disappeared once we adjusted the systems. When expectations were honest and accommodations were normalized, these students weren't "special needs students"—they were filmmakers. They even produced a full-feature film called Carol of the Bells that made it into theaters. Representation isn’t about optics; it’s about accuracy. The world is diverse, and our screens should be too.

Legend Magazine: What is the biggest misconception the entertainment industry still holds about working with performers who have special needs?

Donna Ivery: That it is inherently risky or inefficient. In reality, these performers bring an invaluable sense of focus, authenticity, and emotional truth. What is required isn’t lower standards, but better preparation and clearer communication. Inclusion doesn't happen just because people believe in it; it happens because someone handles the logistics and refuses to let discomfort be the deciding factor.

The Presence of Trust

Ultimately, Donna Ivery’s work is a testament to the power of visibility. By bridging the gap between clinical safety and creative expression, she is creating a legacy where protection is the catalyst for art. As a survivor of violence herself, she understands that safety is not merely the absence of danger, but the presence of trust—a trust that allows individuals to stop surviving and start contributing. Through her mentorship, writing, and advocacy, Ivery is not just opening doors; she is ensuring that once those doors are open, every person who walks through them is given the structure they need to show up fully and speak with their own unique voice.

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To learn more about Donna’s groundbreaking work or to connect with her mission, visit her professional portfolio at Donna Ivery on Stage 32. You can also catch her latest in-depth interview on The Joseph Bonner Show, where she shares more on her journey from the SAG-AFTRA conservatory to the front lines of school safety advocacy.